2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX crossovers, featured a design that was both distinctive and familiar. Its sharp edges and streamlined profile gave it a unique look, though the styling had remained largely unchanged over the years. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which made it feel somewhat outdated compared to its Toyota counterpart. The F Sport Black Line model added a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the design was once radical but had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials like wood trim. The Black Line treatment added sporty elements like an F Sport heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more modern and refined look. It retained the signature spindle grille but introduced new styling details, including block lettering on the tailgate. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of its predecessor. The NX 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. The decluttered interior, however, integrated many functions into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. Despite some ergonomic issues, the new NX presented a significant design evolution.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The hybrid took 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, with a top speed of 112 mph. The drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the overall driving experience lagged behind newer models based on the Toyota New Global Architecture.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The F Sport model added adaptive suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy varying between the F Sport and Luxury trims. The new platform provided a lower center of gravity and improved handling, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German competitors. Despite some road noise, the 2022 NX delivered a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats offered good support, and the Black Line-specific seats added extra bolstering. The dashboard and door sides rose high, creating a sporty feel, but rear visibility was compromised by thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Power-folding seats and a power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2022 Lexus NX promised more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The Luxury trim added ambient lighting with nature-inspired themes. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but lacking a touchscreen. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving, and the system felt dated with text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems offered natural voice control, and the NX included a digital key feature. Despite some issues with screen reflections and a lack of a tuning knob, the new tech represented a major leap forward.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with new technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Additional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting, while a Vision Package offered a panoramic view monitoring system.